Missions

The mission will be to synthesize oxophilic metal complexes, particularly lanthanide complexes, supported by ligands of varied denticity (bidentate, tripodal, cyclopentadienyl-type ligands). The reactivity of these complexes will be studied towards CO2 with the objective to get highly reactive and selective systems. Different routes will be explored for the regeneration of the systems, either in the laboratory (electrochemistry, photochemistry) or in collaboration (cold plasmas) in order to achieve CO2 release under low energetic demands.

Activités

- Develop the organic synthesis of the targeted ligands of varied denticity
- Synthesize lanthanide complexes under inert atmosphere
- Study the reactivity of the complexes towards small molecules, especially CO2
- Characterize the complexes using routine X-ray diffraction, NMR, UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopy
- Develop electrochemical and photochemical methods for the regeneration of the systems
- Monitor scientific developments related to the research topic
- Prepare written reports and communicate results according to the recommendations proposed by the funder
- Participate in research seminars
- Write up research results in scientific publications
- Supervise PhD, master's and bachelor's students in the research group
- Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the synthesis rooms
- Participate in the maintenance of the laboratory equipment

Compétences

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a PhD in molecular inorganic chemistry. The candidate must be well-trained in organometallic synthesis and handling compounds under inert atmosphere. Very good knowledge in standard inorganic spectroscopy (X-ray, NMR, UV-Vis, IR) is essential for the project. The candidate will also be expected to take part in the work and life of the group.

Contexte de travail

The thematic group “f orbitals and reactivity” (https://lcm.ip-paris.fr/en/research/f-orbitals-and-reactivity) of the Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry (UMR 9168) focuses on the synthesis and study of f-element and oxophilic metal complexes. A major research axis concerns the activation and transformation of small molecules, especially CO2. In the context of the energetic transition, the development of new techniques that allow capture, use and valorization of CO2 are major objectives. The two main challenges associated with direct air capture (DAC) are the relatively low concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere (425 ppm) and its high stability, which impose the design of highly selective systems that can be regenerated under low energetic demands.
The postdoc fellow will work in the LCM (UMR 9168) at Ecole Polytechnique, a unit with a staff of around 35 people. The research themes developed in this laboratory are at the molecule-metal interface and concern the reactivity of coordination complexes and their use in catalysis. All aspects, from the most fundamental to the most applied, are involved. The laboratory benefits from the advantages of the Ecole Polytechnique campus, in the heart of the Saclay plateau, renowned for its scientific excellence. The laboratory has recognized expertise and state-of-the-art equipment in the field of organometallic chemistry and the synthesis of highly reactive compounds.